The coming local aid cuts (both for this fiscal year and FY2010) are drastic, especially for the bigger cities and towns. Worcester stands to lose about an estimated $3,850,000 in 2010 BEYOND the 9% cuts in 2009; Shrewsbury will face a proposed $258,000 cut. Other towns will face no better—and the state is very clear on exactly how the cuts in local budgets may be made.

Selected proposed cuts:

Auburn: $158,621

Fitchburg: $790,408

Grafton: $144,819

Holden: $5,446

Leicester: $160,816

Millbury: $164,012

Paxton: $1,486

Rule wise, the state has laid out guidelines for cities and towns to deal with the immediate 9c cuts, specifying exactly what kind of budget adjustments will be allowed:

Reduce 2009 operating budget appropriations in any department

Reduce special project appropriations

Use cash reserves to close the gap

Increase local fees and charges.

A full copy of the memo from the state to municipalities is available here.